Best of

the Twin Cities

Best Beach

White Sands Beach

“Hidden” Beach on Cedar Lake is overrun with hula hoopers and patrolled around the clock by cops looking uncomfortably warm in full uniforms. White Sands Beach, by contrast, is a truly secluded Mississippi River inlet underneath the Marshall Avenue Bridge, down at the end of the Midtown Greenway. Veiled by leafy canopy, it’s tucked away at the foot of a steep, woodsy trail. Bring a headlamp if making the trek at night, when no one cares (or can see) if you’ve got a case of beers for around the bonfire. Dogs are welcome. The site is visited occasionally by clandestine lovers and kind acid dealers. Wade at your own risk. This is still the Mississippi River.